ToneAdapt

Loading...

Solo Tone

The Four Horsemen

Metallica

Guitarmetal1980s

Original Gear

GuitarGibson Flying V (1979, stock, likely with stock humbuckers)
AmpMarshall JMP 1959 Mk II Super Lead 100w (1976-77)
PickupsStock Gibson humbuckers (likely T-Top or Dirty Fingers, passive)

Amp Settings

gain8
bass5
mid5
treble5
reverb0
presence4

Effects & Signal Chain

wahJen Jen Cry Baby Super Wah

Notes

Studio recording, 1983. Kirk Hammett used his Gibson Flying V for the Kill 'Em All album, including 'The Four Horsemen' solo. The amp was a Marshall JMP 1959 Super Lead, no evidence of Mesa/Boogie or JCM800 on this album. Pedals used were minimal; wah was used for solos. No evidence of TS9 or other overdrives on this specific recording. Settings are estimated based on period-correct Marshall usage and forum posts.

Tone Character(10)
aggressive and bitingtight and percussivescooped midssinging sustain on bendssharp pick attackwah-inflected phrasingdry, minimal ambiencebright but not harsharticulate note separationclassic early thrash metal solo sound

Difficulty

The solo features fast alternate picking, aggressive phrasing, and expressive wah pedal use, requiring advanced right-hand technique and foot coordination. The tempo and articulation demand a high level of technical proficiency.

Sources

Metallica – Kill 'Em All (Remastered) - Gear & Equipment Used on ...Kirk Hammetts Kill em All Lead tone - forum topic - Ultimate GuitarKirk Hammett wishes he could redo the guitar solos on Metallica's ...

Create an account to adapt this tone to your gear

Create Free Account

The Four Horsemen settings for your amp

Exact settings ToneAdapt players use on these amps.

More Metallica tones

Metallica gear & all tones →